World Cup

All Blacks back big guns for Boks

New Zealand have vowed to pick the best team available for their last warm-up game against the Springboks at Twickenham on Friday night.

South Africa's Damian Willemse scores a try during the pre-World Cup Rugby Union match between Wales and South Africa at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on August 19, 2023.

Boks climb Test rankings

The Springboks have the opportunity to go into the World Cup as the world’s number three side after the record-breaking win in Cardiff saw them climb the official rankings.

Warren Gatland, coach of the BI Lions during the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour rugby match between Sigma Lions and BI Lions at Ellis Park, Johannesburg on 03 July 2021

Gatland: Bok tries ‘easy to stop’

Warren Gatland was not too disconsolate after watching Wales concede eight tries in a record home defeat to the Springboks in Cardiff on Saturday.

France's number eight Gregory Alldritt (C) is tackled by Fiji's fly-half Caleb Muntz (R) and Fiji's wing Vinaya Habosi (L) during the pre-World Cup friendly rugby union international match between France and Fiji at The Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, western France on August 19, 2023.

France survive Fiji scare

France beat Fiji in Nantes on Saturday in a World Cup warm-up days after influential flyhalf Romain Ntamack was ruled out of the tournament.

Rassie Erasmus coach of South Africa waits for the start of the Rugby Championship test match between New Zealand and South Africa played at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on July 15, 2023.

Rassie’s Ireland links growing legs

Rassie Erasmus is considering leaving the Springboks after being placed on a reported shortlist of candidates for a top job in Irish rugby.

Fit Pollard ‘waiting for his chance’

Handre Pollard is back in full training and even getting reps at inside centre as one of his teammates has confirmed the Bok flyhalf is ready to play at the World Cup.

‘Fearless’ Siya: It felt amazing!

Siya Kolisi says a no-nonsense approach at training allowed him to play without fear after making his first appearance for the Springboks after knee surgery. DYLAN JACK reports.

Siya Kolisi sings the national anthem at the Millennium Stadium

Long live King Kolisi!

The Springboks’ mauling of Wales in Cardiff on Saturday was secondary to Siya Kolisi’s triumphant return to Test rugby after a long injury lay-off, writes MARK KEOHANE.

CARDIFF, WALES - AUGUST 19: Siya Kolisi of South Africa in action during the Rugby World Cup 2023 warm up match between Wales and South Africa at Principality Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales.

Boks wallop Welsh whelps

Siya Kolisi picked up a try assist on his return as the Springboks put a youthful Wales to the sword in their penultimate World Cup warm-up in Cardiff on Saturday.

Kolisi: Our best is yet to come

Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi is confident the defending world champions have laid the building blocks for their team combinations and style of play to all click in France.